I’ve always relished porridge. My late Gran used to to make it for my brother and me – maltabella, smooth and creamy and devoured with layers of condensed milk. I know I know, so decadent and oh so divine! It was heaven in a bowl and to this day it’s a thing in our house, summer or winter, any time of day or night and the c-milk is still happening. I am always looking for places to have an excellent bowl of porrie and these are a few of my favourite places in the Cape Town CBD.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Times (23 June 2019)
Gone are the days when porridge was a gluey bowl of boring and a symbol of deprivation. Chefs de cuisine are having at a range of heritage grains and conjuring irresistible gourmet versions of the most ancient of foundation breakfasts. From oats to spelt, sorghum, millet, chia and quinoa, hot and cold porridge is back on a menu near you, the satisfying comfort food that comes with multiple health benefits in its slipstream.
Loading Bay, an airy multi dimensional space located in De Waterkant offers a distinctive porridge selection, true to expectation. Prince Bawuli, long time chef at this stylish establishment in De Waterkant has introduced delicious options that will satisfy fussy vegans and good-food gurus. Choices include the immune boosting spelt, ginger, carrot and bircher porridge served warm with oat milk on the side (pictured), as well as the activated chia seed dish with sprouted buckwheat, yoghurt and seasonal fruit, and the millet porridge served with cardamom, cocoa and coconut.
The Poké Co on Loop serves up a quinoa porridge, a textured treat made with almond milk. It’s presented warm, lightly spiced with cinnamon and topped with honey glazed banana and toasted almond flakes. Quinoa is has garnered foodie fame as a wheat-free alternative to starchier grains and softens perfectly when cooked. Try the cold apple soaked creamy oats & plain yoghurt or get your superfood fix with superfood with the strawberry and chia smoothie bowl.
Sunday Times Food & Drink section- my cover pic taken at Harvest in Bokaap